Six US utilities have teamed up to created an electric vehicle charging corridor that cuts through the heartland of the country, Kallanish reports. 

The so-called Electric Highway Coalition comprises American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corporation, Southern Co, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. 

Their combined reach links together charging systems along the East Coast, Midwest, South, and Gulf and Central Plains, according to a statement by American Electric Power. 

“The companies are each taking steps to provide EV charging solutions within their service territories,” American Electric says, noting that the Edison Institute predicts 18 million EVs will be in service as of 2030. “This represents an unprecedented effort to offer convenient EV charging options across different company territories and allow EV travel without interruption.”

The goal is to alleviate range anxiety and permit recharging within a 20-30 minute window. “Throughout the ages, travelers have had to figure out how to get from point A to B. From feeding and watering horses, to filling gas tanks, and now recharging batteries, ensuring that there are convenient places to accomplish these tasks is critical,” says American Electric ceo Nicholas Akins. “With this effort, we are working to help drivers see that EVs fit their lifestyle and their travel plans, wherever the road might take them.”